Greetings. I'm new to fly fishing and plan on fishing Colorado rivers next year. I would like to get a reel that would be versatile and last. I can get a good deal on a Lamson Litespeed and wonder if a 1.5 (2/3/4wt) or a 2 (4/5/6wt) would be the way to go. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

I'd go with the 2. It's very versatile and light and would work on anything from a 3 wt to a 6 wt. I've had both and prefer the 2. Excess weight won't be an issue unless you're fishing ultralight equipment <3wt.

Just my $.02 , get the bigger one. Let me give you an example in my arsenal.

I have a ross evolution 2 that holds line wt 4-6, I like the ability to go up to the 6wt. This lets me get a spare spool and fish both my 4 and 6 wt with one reel. If I had gotten the Evolution 1.5 I couldnt do that. I personally find this better and in a worst case scenario I could put 3wt line on the bigger reel but couldnt put 6wt line and adequate backing on the smaller reel.

It depends entirely on the rod you will be fishing. A too light reel makes even a light rod feel tip heavy. So balance is important. My 2 Cents? Your fishing Colorado and don't have reel...buy a Ross made in Montrose, CO...the evo is a fine reel at a reasonable price point.

I have both a Lamson Velocity 1.5 and 2. I use the 1.5 with 4 and 5 weights and the 2 with a 6 weight. I think the 2 would be a little big for a 5 weight, especially with the Litespeeds, which have larger diameters than the Velocities. However, if you want the versatility to be able to use either a 5 or a 6 weight line on the same reel, the size 2 reel would have it.